Circuit interconnect attaching apparatus, attaching assemblies, and methods of connecting circuit interconnect devices

ABSTRACT

A circuit interconnect attaching apparatus is disclosed. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus has a body adapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device, the body having a first end and a second end, one or more frame connector coupled to the first end of the body, at least one tab portion positioned on an outer surface of the second end of the body, wherein the at least one tab portion for accepting at least one fastener member, and one or more bus connector configured to connect to or disconnect from one or more bus bar that is responsive to rotation of the circuit interconnect device. The circuit interconnect attaching assemblies having the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus and methods of connecting circuit interconnect devices to one or more bus bar are disclosed, as are other aspects.

FIELD

The present invention relates to circuit interconnect attachingapparatus and methods thereof, and more specifically to apparatusadapted to engage or disengage devices (e.g., circuit breakers) from oneor more bus bar.

BACKGROUND

Circuit breakers can connect to one or more bus bar in panelboards orswitchboards and may be used to protect connected electrical circuits.In certain cases, mechanisms may be used to aid in the installation ofthe circuit breakers to bus bars installed in the panelboards orswitchboards. However, existing mechanisms are generally not versatilein that they provide for connection only in limited configurations, andmay be difficult or time consuming to install and/or remove.Furthermore, once installed, they may not be securely held in place.

Thus, improved devices for installation and/or removal of electricalcircuit breakers from one or more bus bar are desired.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, a circuit interconnect attaching apparatus isprovided. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus includes a bodyadapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device, the body having afirst end and a second end, one or more frame connector coupled to thefirst end of the body, at least one tab portion positioned on an outersurface of the second end of the body, wherein the at least one tabportion can be adapted for accepting at least one fastener member, oneor more bus connector configured to connect to or disconnect from one ormore bus bar that can be responsive to a rotational motion of the bodyand the circuit interconnect device.

An aspect of the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus may includethe circuit interconnect device that can be selected from a groupconsisting of at least one circuit breaker, at least one switch, atleast one branch circuit monitor, at least one surge protection device,and at least one lug.

Another aspect may include one or more line side bus conductor bar strapcoupled to the one or more bus connector. Still another aspect mayinclude one or more load connector configured to connect to ordisconnect from one or more load conductor that can be responsive torotation of the body and the circuit interconnect device. It is possiblean aspect may comprise of one or more line side bus conductor bar strapcoupled to the one or more bus connector, and one or more load conductorbar strap coupled to the one or more load connector.

Another aspect of the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus mayinclude the body comprising at least one pocket configured to receiveone or more bus conductor bar strap that can be coupled to the one ormore bus connector. Further, an aspect may include the body comprisingat least one insulator sheath that can be adapted to at least partiallysurround the one or more bus connector. Further still, an aspect mayinclude the body comprising one or more pocket, each pocket can beconfigured to receive a bus conductor bar strap, and one or more openingfrom the one or more pocket that can be configured to receive the one ormore bus connector.

It is possible that the at least one tab portion can include a cavityhaving a first opening and a second opening that can be adapted for theat least one fastener member to enter there through. It is possible thetab portion can be positioned on the second end of the body. Further, anaspect may include the at least one fastening member can be from thegroup consisting of one of a bolt, a captive fastener, a quarter turnmember, a ball detent pin, or a securing clip device.

Another aspect may include the circuit interconnect device including:one or more line terminal connected to one or more bus conductor barstrap; and one or more load terminal coupled to one or more loadconductor bar strap, such that the one or more load conductor bar strapcan be coupled to one or more load connector.

In an assembly embodiment, a circuit interconnect attaching assembly isprovided. The circuit interconnect attaching assembly can include a bodyadapted to be coupled to a circuit interconnect device, the body caninclude at least one tab portion coupled to an outer surface of thebody, one or more frame connector can be coupled to a first end of thebody, one or more bus connector can be configured to connect to one ormore bus bar responsive to a rotational motion of the body and thecircuit interconnect device, a universal circuit interconnect deviceframe rail assembly can be included for securing the body and thecircuit interconnect device, a first frame rail of the universal circuitinterconnect device frame rail assembly can comprise at least one holeor slot adapted to receive the one or more frame connector at the firstend of the body, and a second frame rail of the universal circuitinterconnect device frame rail assembly can have one or more hole orslot for accepting at least one fastener member for securing the bodyand circuit interconnect device to the second frame rail via the atleast one tab portion positioned on an outer surface of a second end ofthe body, the at least one fastener member can be coupled to an axisgenerally perpendicular to a mating surface of the second frame rail.

An aspect of the circuit interconnect attaching assembly can include theat least one fastener member that can be in communication with the atleast one opening and a cavity of the second frame rail while coupled tothe second frame rail. Further, the at least one tab portion may includea cavity having a first opening and a second opening for the at leastone fastener member to be in communication while coupled to the secondframe rail. Further, another aspect of the universal circuitinterconnect device frame rail assembly may be adapted for securing aplurality of circuit interconnect devices onto the second frame rail byoffsetting one or more tab portion location of a first circuitinterconnect device with a second tab portion location of a secondcircuit interconnect device. Thus, the fastener of the one first circuitinterconnect device assembly attaches onto the second frame rail at alocation offset from the second fastener of a second circuitinterconnect device onto the second frame rail.

It is possible the circuit interconnect attaching assembly may compriseone or more load connector configured to connect to or disconnect fromone or more load conductor responsive to a rotational motion of the bodyand the circuit interconnect device.

Further, the circuit interconnect attaching assembly may comprise ashutter apparatus that is configured and operational to be opened orclosed by a rotational motion of the body.

It is possible that the circuit interconnect attaching assembly caninclude a circuit interconnect device having one of one or more lineterminal, one or more load terminal, or both, wherein the one or moreload terminal can be in communication with one or more load strap, andone or more bus conductor bar strap can be connected to the one or moreline terminal.

In a method embodiment, a method of connecting a circuit interconnectdevice is provided. The method of connecting a circuit interconnectdevice includes providing the circuit interconnect device having one ofone or more load terminal, one or more line terminal, or both, providinga body coupled to the circuit interconnect device, the body having oneor more frame connector coupled to a first end and at least one tabportion coupled to a second end, providing at least one fastener memberin communication with the at least one tab portion, providing one ormore bus connector configured to connect to one or more bus bar,providing a universal circuit interconnect device frame rail assemblyfor securing the body and the circuit interconnect device, the universalcircuit interconnect device frame rail assembly including a first framerail having at least one hole or slot, and a second frame rail having atleast one hole or slot, engaging the first frame rail with the one ormore frame connector at the first end of the body, rotating the body andthe circuit interconnect device in a rotational motion or pivotingmotion for the one or more bus connector to engage with and connect tothe one or more bus bar, and engaging the second frame rail with the atleast one fastener member for securing the body and circuit interconnectdevice to the second frame rail, the at least one fastener membercoupled to an axis generally perpendicular to a mating surface of thesecond frame rail.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present subjectmatter disclosed in the application may be readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description by illustrating a number of exampleembodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplatedfor carrying out the disclosed subject matter. The disclosed subjectmatter may also be capable of other and different embodiments, and itsseveral details may be modified in various respects, all withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly,the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative innature, and not as restrictive. The subject matter disclosed is to coverall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thescope of the disclosed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top isometric view of a circuit interconnectattaching apparatus having a coupled circuit interconnect deviceaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top isometric view of a circuit interconnectattaching apparatus with the circuit interconnect device removedaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top isometric view of a body of a circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom isometric view of a body of a circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1E illustrates an isometric view of an integral left and rightframe connector of a circuit interconnect attaching apparatus accordingto embodiments.

FIG. 1F illustrates an isometric view of a left frame connector of acircuit interconnect attaching apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1G illustrates an isometric view of a right frame connector of acircuit interconnect attaching apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1H illustrates isometric views of a line conductor assembly of acircuit interconnect attaching apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 1I illustrates isometric views of a bus connector of a circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus according to embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectioned top view of a circuit interconnectattaching assembly in a disconnected (un-rotated or un-plugged)configuration according to embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectioned top view of a circuit interconnectattaching assembly in a connected (rotated or plugged) configurationwith the fastener unfastened, according to embodiments.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectioned top view of a circuit interconnectattaching assembly in a connected (rotated or plugged) configurationwith the fastener fastened, according to embodiments.

FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view of a circuit interconnectattaching assembly having a connected (rotated or plugged) circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus with the fastener fastened according toembodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectioned top view of a circuit interconnectattaching assembly according to embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a view of a large circuit interconnect attachingassembly according to embodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates an isometric view of a large circuit interconnectattaching assembly connected (rotated or plugged) according toembodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a circuit interconnect attachingassembly having numerous different types, orientations and sizes ofdevices and circuit interconnect attaching apparatus connected (rotatedor plugged) according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of two circuit interconnectattaching apparatus, one positioned to be unrotated or unplugged on, andthe second positioned to be rotated or plugged on according toembodiments.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views of a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus shown in a rotated (or plugged) and un-rotated (or unplugged)configuration that exhibits an ability to electrically connect to bothone or more line side bus bar and one or more load side conductoraccording to embodiments.

FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate views of a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus shown in a rotated (or plugged) and un-rotated (or unplugged)configuration that exhibits an ability to electrically-connect to bothone or more line side bus bar and one or more load side conductoraccording to embodiments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate cross-sectioned top views of a circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus having an ability to electricallyconnect to both the one or more line side bus bars and the one or moreload side conductor according to embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates an isometric view of a shutter apparatus configuredto close off access to bus bars when a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus is un-rotated (or unplugged) or not present, shown in a closedconfiguration according to embodiments.

FIG. 9B illustrates an isometric view of a shutter apparatus configuredto allow access to bus bars when a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus is being rotated (or plugged), shown in a opened configurationaccording to embodiments.

FIG. 9C illustrates a bottom view of one or more shutter apparatusengaging a circuit interconnect attaching apparatus according toembodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of connecting a circuitinterconnect device according to embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus are usefulfor electrically connecting or disconnecting a circuit interconnectdevice to or from one or conductor bar, such as one or more bus bar.Embodiments of the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus areespecially adapted for use in switchboards or panelboards to facilitatethe rapid installation of one or more circuit interconnect devicetherein. The term “circuit interconnect device” as used herein means anelectrical device adapted to carry electrical current and/or break(e.g., electrically open) an electrical circuit, electrically close anelectrical circuit, limit an amplitude of electrical current in anelectrical circuit, or monitor one or more electrical characteristic ofa circuit (e.g., electrical current or power supplied to a circuit, orvoltage relative to an electrical ground or another part of thecircuit). The circuit interconnect device, in some embodiments, is oneselected from a group consisting of a circuit breaker, an electricalswitch, a branch circuit monitor, a surge protection device, and a lug.The circuit interconnect device may either break (e.g., electricallyopen) an electrical circuit or close an electrical circuit such as byseparation and closing of electrical contacts therein. Such contactseparation may be by mechanical tripping devices causing separation,electro-mechanical devices causing separation, manual tripping such asby moving (e.g., throwing a lever), or automated tripping devices.Current may be limited in circuit interconnect devices that are, forexample, surge protection devices. Current and/or voltage, or variouscombinations or mathematical functions thereof (derivatives), may bemonitored by the circuit interconnect device comprising a branch circuitmonitor. Other types of circuit interconnect devices may be used.

The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus may be used to quicklyconnect or disconnect a circuit interconnect device from one or more busbar. Bus bars are electrical conduits adapted to carry one or more phaseof electricity, such as an A, B, and/or C phases. The circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus may be used with various sizes andtypes of circuit interconnect devices (e.g., circuit breaker, anelectrical switch, a branch circuit monitor, a surge protection device,and a lug, or the like) and may be used to install the circuitinterconnect devices in different orientations on a panelboard orswitchboard. For example, the circuit interconnect attaching apparatusmay be used to install a circuit interconnect device in either the frontor rear-connected configuration. The term install is used herein andmeans connecting (e.g., plugging into) a circuit interconnect device toone or more conductor bar (e.g., one or more bus bar and/or one or moreload bar). The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus allows theinstallation or removal of the circuit interconnect device withoutdisturbing other switchboard or panelboard components. Embodiments mayallow connection to one or more set of bus bars and may be adapted foruses with relatively medium or smaller circuit interconnect devices. Insome embodiments, the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus mayfacilitate connection to both line side conductors (e.g., bus bars) andone or more load side conductor (e.g., runback or load lug assembly).

In view of the foregoing, circuit interconnect attaching apparatus,circuit interconnect attaching assemblies, and methods of connectingcircuit interconnect devices are provided.

According to one or more embodiment, a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus is provided. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatusincludes a body adapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device, thebody having a first end and a second end, one or more frame connectorcoupled to the first end of the body, at least one tab portionpositioned on an outer surface of the second end of the body, whereinthe at least one tab portion can be adapted for accepting at least onefastener member, one or more bus connector configured to connect to ordisconnect from one or more bus bar that can be responsive to arotational motion of the body and the circuit interconnect device.

These and other embodiments of the circuit interconnect attachingapparatus, circuit interconnect attaching assemblies, and methods ofconnecting circuit interconnect devices to one or more bus bar aredescribed below with reference to FIGS. 1A-10. The drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale. Like numerals are used throughout to denotelike elements.

Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1I, a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus 100 and its various components are shown. The circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus 100 has a body 104 adapted to couple toa circuit interconnect device 105. The body 104 may be a separatecomponent, as shown, to which the circuit interconnect device 105 issecured and coupled by means of one or more fastener (e.g., screws,bolts, rivets, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, snaps or the like).Optionally, the body 104 may be made integral with a molded case of thecircuit interconnect device 105. The body 104 includes a first end 110and a second end 116.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A through 1I, the circuit interconnectattaching apparatus 100 has one or more frame connector 106, 108 coupledto the body 104 at the first end 110. The frame connectors 106, 108 maybe manufactured from bent sheet metal (e.g., steel) as shown in FIGS.1E-1G. In the depicted embodiment, the frame connectors 106, 108 mayeach have a laterally-oriented recess 106R, 108R (FIGS. 1E-1G) that areadapted to couple to and engage with a frame rail (e.g. frame rail225—FIG. 2C), as will be discussed later herein. The frame connectors106, 108 may be connected to the body 104 by suitable fasteners (e.g.,screws, rivets, or the like) by being received into holes 106H, 108H andthreading into the body 104 or by passing through the holes 106H, 108Hand holes in the body 104 and threading into a backing plate 106B, 108B(FIG. 1B). The laterally-oriented recesses 106R, 108R may be notches orthe like. Other embodiments may include notches having a hook shape,such as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the frame connectors 106,108 may be molded integrally with the body 104 and be made of a sameplastic as the body 104. Body 104 may be molded of any suitable plastic,such as a thermoset plastic.

Referring to FIGS. 1H and 2A-C, to electrically connect the circuitinterconnect device 105 to the one or more bus bar 124A, 124B, 124C (seeFIGS. 2A-C), the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus 100 also hasone or more conductor assembly 119A, 119B, 119C (FIG. 1B, 1H). The oneor more conductor assembly 119A, 119B, 119C has one or more busconnector 120A, 120B, 120C (e.g., spring-loaded clips) (FIG. 1H) adaptedto electrically connect to one or more conductor bar (e.g., bus bars124A, 124B, 124C of FIGS. 2A-C) and one or more conductor bus bar strap122A, 122B, 122C adapted to couple to the line side (e.g., line sideterminals) of the circuit interconnect device 105. For a three phasebreaker (shown), the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus 100 willhave three conductor assemblies 119A, 119B, and 119C as shown (FIG. 1H).However, in some embodiments, only one or two phases may be connected.Configurations including more conductor assemblies and more phases maybe provided.

Referring to FIG. 1H, the one or more bus connector 120A, 120B, 120C maybe attached to one or more respective line terminal of the circuitinterconnect device 105 by bus conductor bar straps 122A, 122B, and122C. The bus conductor bar straps 122A, 122B, and 122C may bemanufactured from a conductive material, such as a copper or aluminummaterial. Other electrically conductive materials may be used. The busconductor bar straps 122A, 122B, and 122C may include a configurationthat is J-shaped, where a second portion of each strap is bent back andlies over a first portion. The bus conductor bar straps 122A, 122B, and122C may each comprise multiple bars in some embodiments. The one ormore bus connector 120A, 120B, 120C may connect to the bus conductor barstraps 122A, 122B, 122C by suitable fastening means, such as bolts,screws, rivets, braising, or the like. The bus conductor bar straps122A, 122B, and 122C may connect to the one or more line terminal of thecircuit interconnect device 105 by suitable fastening means, such asbolts, screws, slide-in connections or the like. Optionally, the busconductor bar straps 122A, 122B, and 122C may be made integral with theone or more line terminal.

As shown in FIG. 1I, the bus connectors 120A, 120B, 120C may eachcomprise clips having opposed fingers 120F. One, two, or even three ormore sets of fingers 120F may be provided on each bus connector 120A,120B, 120C. The bus connector 120A, 120B, 120C may be manufactured froma conductive material, such as a copper material.

Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, portions of each of the line conductorassemblies 119A, 119B, and 119C may be received in one or more pocket104A, 104B, 104C which are formed in the body 104 as shown in FIGS. 1B,1C. Walls 104W may separate the pockets 104A, 104B, and 104C. One ormore opening (not shown) can be included in the one or more pocket 104A,104B, and 104C that can be configured to receive the one or more busconnector 120A, 120B, 120C therein. Each bus connector 120A, 120B, 120C(see FIG. 1H) extends through an opening (not shown) in the body 104 andis oriented to receive a bus bar 124A, 124B, 124C (see FIGS. 2A-B).

In the embodiment shown FIG. 1C, the circuit interconnect device 105 maybe coupled to the body 104 by suitable fasteners received throughmounting holes 104H. As best shown in FIG. 1D, insulator sheaths 123A,123B, 123C may extend from a under surface 104U of the body 104. Theinsulator sheaths 123A, 123B, 123C may at least partially surround thesides of the bus connectors 120A, 120B, 120C and act as an insulatorbetween adjacent bus connectors 120A, 120B, 120C. FIG. 1D shows the siderecesses 123RA, 123RB, 123RC in the insulator sheaths 123A, 123B, 123Cthat allow the busses 124A, 124B, and 124C to pass through and connectto the bus connectors 120A, 120B, 120C.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the circuit interconnect attachingapparatus 100 is part of a circuit interconnect attaching assembly 201(see FIG. 2D) and is configured to connect the circuit interconnectdevice 105 to, or disconnect the circuit interconnect device 105 from,the one or more bus bar 124A, 124B, 124C. The connecting (FIG. 2B) ordisconnecting (FIG. 2A) is responsive to rotation, such as by a usermoving (e.g., rotating clockwise or counterclockwise) the interconnectattaching apparatus 100. Such rotation using the circuit interconnectattaching apparatus 100 can be accomplished very rapidly, and withoutdisturbing the surrounding circuit interconnect devices.

In more detail, to accomplish the rotation, the circuit interconnectattaching assembly 201 (see FIG. 2D) includes the circuit interconnectattaching apparatus 100, a first frame rail 225 having a plurality ofconnection features 230, such as a plurality of laterally-extendingnotches, and a second frame rail 228, i.e., can be considered a centerframe rail. However, the second frame rail is not limited to being acenter frame, but could also be another frame rail located in adifferent location.

In FIGS. 2A-2D, detailed views of an embodiment of the second frame rail228 are shown. Referring now to FIG. 2D (end segments shown), the secondframe rail 228 is adapted to couple to a frame (not shown) or, in onealternative, couple directly to a panelboard or switchboard (not shown).A fastener 226 is shown in FIGS. 2A-2D that extends through a tabportion 224 of the body 100. FIG. 2B shows the tab portion 224 having afirst opening 224A, a cavity 224B and a second opening 224C. It is notedthe fastener could be more than one fastener and from a group of one ofa bolt, a captive fastener, a quarter turn member, a ball detent pin, ora securing clip device.

As shown in FIG. 2D, this circuit interconnect attaching assembly 201can allow for numerous circuit interconnect devices, such as circuitinterconnect device 205 (e.g., having a 250A frame rating). The circuitinterconnect device 205, and others, may be quickly connected to orunconnected from the bus bars 124A, 124B, 124C, which may carry A, B,and C phases of electricity, and also to and from bus bars 124A2, 124B2,124C2, which may also carry A, B, and C phases of electricity. Thecircuit interconnect attaching assembly can include a second set offrame rails identical to, but reversed from, the frame rails 225, 228(see 225A, 228A of FIGS. 2B and 2D). In this way, circuit interconnectdevices may be installed and uninstalled on either side of thepanelboard or switchboard (frame and box not shown for clarity). As canbe seen, the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus 100 may be adaptedto be used with circuit interconnect devices having different sizes,different type, different rating, and different orientations (see FIG.4).

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view through a circuit interconnectattaching assembly 301 that includes a circuit interconnect device 305that is configured for front connection. The connection to the first andsecond frame rails 325, 328 are shown. Further, the connection from theelectric bus 324A through the connector assembly 319A is shown.”Wherein, bus connectors 320A, 320B, 320C (e.g., spring-loaded clips) areadapted to electrically connect to conductor bars (e.g., bus bars 324A,324B and 324C). The circuit interconnect attaching assembly 301 may becoupled to a frame structure (not shown), which may be part of, orcoupled to, a container such as a switchboard or panelboard by anysuitable means such as bolting or the like.

The various center frame and bus components may be connected to theframe rails 325, 325A by insulators 339 (a few labeled) and a throughbolt 335 that can be positioned inside an insulator tube (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIG. 4A illustrates a view of a largecircuit interconnect attaching assembly 401 that includes a circuitinterconnect device 405 configured for a front connection. FIG. 4A showsboth a left-side connection and a right-side connection, wherein aconnection to the first, second and third frame rails 425, 428, 425A areshown.

Still referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the large circuit interconnectattaching assembly 401 may be coupled to a frame structure as shown inFIG. 4B, which may be part of, or coupled to, a container such as aswitchboard or panelboard by any suitable means such as bolting or thelike. The various center frame and bus components may be connected tothe frame rails 425, 425A by insulators 439 (a few labeled) and athrough bolt 435 that is positioned inside an insulator tube (notshown).

FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit interconnect attaching assembly 501 andillustrates the versatility of an embodiment of the present disclosedsubject matter and the ease by which various circuit interconnectdevices may be connected and unconnected. As can be seen, various sizes,types, and orientations of circuit interconnect devices may be installedor uninstalled using one or more embodiment of the circuit interconnectattaching apparatus (e.g., circuit interconnect attaching apparatus)described herein. Embodiments are shown with left-side connection orright-side connection. Connection of the various circuit interconnectattaching apparatus may be between a left-side frame rail 525 and acenter frame rail 528 or 528A, between a right-side frame rail 525A anda center frame rail 528 or 528A, and between left-side frame rail 525and a right-side frame rail 525A in some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a starting position for a circuit interconnect device605, body 604 and attaching apparatus 600 to be rotated onto one or morebus bar (three bus bars 624A, 624B, and 624C shown). The circuitinterconnect device 605, body 604 and attaching apparatus 600 will beinitially slightly tilted relative to the frame rail 625, as shown. Theframe connectors 608 and 606 (not shown) are inserted into theconnection features 630, and the assembly 600 is rotated towards thesecond rail 628 (e.g., center rail). The assembly 600 is further rotateduntil the circuit interconnect device 605 is fully rotated, as shown inFIG. 2C, for example, and as shown for the circuit interconnect device605L mounted directly below the circuit interconnect device 605.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate another embodiment of circuit interconnectattaching assembly 701 including a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus 700 that includes the ability to connect to and disconnectfrom one or more load conductor 741 (e.g., one or more runback) on aload side. The illustrated circuit interconnect attaching apparatus 700also includes, as have previous embodiments, the ability to connect toand disconnect from one or more conductor bar, such as bus bars 724A,724B, and 724C on a line side. In the depicted embodiment, the attachingapparatus 700 may include one or more load conductor assembly (seereference number 842 of FIG. 8A) that connects to the one or more loadconductor 741, such as for front and rear connected applications.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, one or more load conductor bar straps 744 canconnect the load terminals of the circuit interconnect device 705 to oneor more load conductor connectors 720L (e.g., clips). The one or moreload conductor connector 720L may be identical to the bus conductorconnector 720A, 720B, 720C, which are the same as described and shown inFIG. 1I. Thus, responsive to rotation of the circuit interconnect device705, the one or more load conductor connector 720L may be plugged ontoone or more load conductor 741 (e.g., one or more runback bar conductor)on a load side. Likewise, the one or more line conductor assembly 719may include, as shown in FIG. 7D, one or more line conductor bar strap722 that connects one or more line terminal of the circuit interconnectdevice 705 to one or more line conductor connector 720A, 720B, 720C(e.g., clips).

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the one or more load conductor assembly842 may include, as shown in FIG. 8A, one or more load conductor barstrap 844 that connect load terminals of the circuit interconnect device805 to one or more load conductor connector 820L (e.g., clips). The oneor more load conductor connector 820L may be identical to the busconductor connectors 820A, 820B, 820C, which are the same as describedand shown in FIG. 1I. Thus, responsive to rotation of the circuitinterconnect attaching assembly 801, the one or more load conductorconnector 820L may be plugged onto one or more load conductor 841 (e.g.,one or more runback bar conductor) on a load side. Likewise, the one ormore line conductor assembly 819 may include one or more line conductorbar strap 822 that connect one or more line terminal of the circuitinterconnect device 805 to one or more line conductor connector 820A,820B, 820C (e.g., clips).

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a shutter apparatus 965 that may be adapted foruse with the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus 900 (see FIG. 9C).The shutter apparatus 965 has a moveable shutter 970 that providesprotection against accidental contact with any bare electricalconductors (e.g., bus bars 924A, 924B, 924C (see FIG. 9C) in acompartment when the circuit interconnect device 905 is removed (e.g.,un-rotated or unplugged) or not present. FIG. 9C is a top view (e.g.,from a bottom side) showing the use of two shutter apparatus 965according to embodiments. In particular, one apparatus 965 is providedfor use with each set of bus bars 924A-924C and 924A1-924C1, noting thatthese will not be the same assemblies.

Still referring to FIGS. 9A-C, the shutter apparatus 865 includes a base968, a shutter 970, and one or more linkage assembly 972. The shutter970 of the shutter apparatus 965 is configured and operational to beopened by the rotational motion of the body 904 of the attachingapparatus 900 contacting and displacing one or more linkage assembly972. When the shutter 970 is fully opened, the bus connectors, e.g.,clips, can engage the conductors (e.g., one or more bus bar 924A, etc.)through one or more access passage 973A-973C (FIG. 9B). The number ofaccess passages 973A-973C may be equal to the number of phases/bus bars.The shutter apparatus 965 may include one or more spring 974 (e.g., coilsprings) that may be connected at suitable locations (e.g., betweenlinks 972A, 972B) and may serve to return the shutter 970 to the closedposition (FIG. 9A) when the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus 900and coupled circuit interconnect device 905 are removed (un-rotated).

FIG. 9C shows a circuit interconnect device 905 that may require twoshutter apparatus 965 since the circuit interconnect device 905 connectsto both sets of line side bus bars 924A, etc. and 924A1, etc. A smallercircuit interconnect device (e.g., small circuit breaker) may onlyrequire only one shutter apparatus 965 since it may only engage on oneset of line side bus bars (e.g., 924A-924C). As the circuit interconnectdevice and attaching apparatus 900 rotate toward the plugged onposition, an undersurface 904U of the body 904 of the attachingapparatus 900 contacts and displaces the linkage assembly 972 at points975 and 976. This displacement causes the linkages 972A, 972B to extendoutward and open the shutters 970 as shown in FIG. 9B. It is noted thatthe fastener attaches to the second rail, such that the second rail inthis particular embodiment happens to be an outer rail.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of connecting a circuitinterconnect device, such as to one or more bus bar, according toembodiments. The method 1000 includes, in 1002, providing a circuitinterconnect device having one or more load terminal and one or moreline terminal, in 1004, providing a circuit interconnect attachingapparatus having a body coupled to the circuit interconnect device, aframe connector coupled to the body at a first end, and one or more busconnector configured to connect to one or more bus bar, in 1006providing a first frame rail, and in 1008, providing a second framerail. The method further including, in 1010, engaging the first framerail with the frame connector, and in 1012, engaging the body and thecircuit interconnect device to cause rotation of the body and thecircuit interconnect device and connection of the one or more busconnector to the one or more bus bar. The rotation may also connect oneor more load connector to the one or more load conductor (e.g.,runback).

While the subject matter disclosed is susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments and methodsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and aredescribed in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it isnot intended to limit the subject matter disclosed to the particularapparatus, assemblies, or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternativesfalling within the scope of the subject matter disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A circuit interconnect attaching apparatus,comprising: a body adapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device,the body having a first end and a second end; one or more frameconnector coupled to the first end of the body; at least one tab portionpositioned on an outer surface of the second end of the body, whereinthe at least one tab portion is adapted for accepting at least onefastener member; and one or more bus connector configured to connect toor disconnect from one or more bus bar responsive to a rotational motionof the body and the circuit interconnect device.
 2. The circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitinterconnect device is one selected from a group consisting of at leastone circuit breaker, at least one switch, at least one branch circuitmonitor, at least one surge protection device, and at least one lug. 3.The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus of claim 1, comprising oneor more line side bus conductor bar strap coupled to the one or more busconnector.
 4. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus of claim 1,comprising one or more load connector configured to connect to ordisconnect from one or more load conductor responsive to rotation of thebody and the circuit interconnect device.
 5. The circuit interconnectattaching apparatus of claim 1, comprising: one or more line-side busconductor bar strap coupled to the one or more bus connector, and one ormore load conductor bar strap coupled to the one or more load connector.6. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebody comprises at least one pocket configured to receive one or more busconductor bar strap coupled to the one or more bus connector.
 7. Thecircuit interconnect attaching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bodycomprises at least one insulator sheath adapted to at least partiallysurround the one or more bus connector.
 8. The circuit interconnectattaching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises one or morepocket, each pocket is configured to receive a bus conductor bar strap,and one or more opening from the one or more pocket is configured toreceive the one or more bus connector.
 9. The circuit interconnectattaching apparatus of claim 1, comprising a shutter apparatusconfigured and operational to be opened or closed responsive to arotational motion of the body.
 10. The circuit interconnect attachingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab portion includes acavity having a first opening and a second opening that is adapted forthe at least one fastener member to enter there through.
 11. The circuitinterconnect attaching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onefastening member is from the group consisting of one of a bolt, acaptive fastener, a quarter turn member, a ball detent pin, or asecuring clip device.
 12. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatusof claim 1, wherein the circuit interconnect device includes: one ormore line terminal connected to one or more line-side bus conductor barstrap; and one or more load terminal coupled to one or more loadconductor bar strap, such that the one or more load conductor bar strapis coupled to one or more load connectors.
 13. A circuit interconnectattaching assembly, comprising: a body adapted to couple to a circuitinterconnect device, the body includes at least one tab portion coupledto an outer surface of the body; one or more frame connector coupled toa first end of the body; one or more bus connector configured to connectto one or more bus bar responsive to a rotational motion of the body andthe circuit interconnect device; a universal circuit interconnect deviceframe rail assembly for securing the body and the circuit interconnectdevice; a first frame rail of the universal circuit interconnect deviceframe rail assembly comprises at least one hole or slot adapted toreceive the one or more frame connector at the first end of the body;and a second frame rail of the universal circuit interconnect deviceframe rail assembly having one or more hole or slot for accepting atleast one fastener member for securing the body and circuit interconnectdevice to the second frame rail via the at least one tab portionpositioned on an outer surface of a second end of the body, the at leastone fastener member coupled to an axis generally perpendicular to amating surface of the second frame rail.
 14. The circuit interconnectattaching assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one fastener memberis in communication with the at least one opening and a cavity of thesecond frame rail while coupled to the second frame rail.
 15. Thecircuit interconnect attaching assembly of claim 13, wherein the atleast one tab portion includes a cavity having a first opening and asecond opening for the at least one fastener member to be incommunication while coupled to the second frame rail.
 16. The circuitinterconnect attaching assembly of claim 13, wherein the universalcircuit interconnect device frame rail assembly is adapted for securinga plurality of circuit interconnect device assemblies onto the secondframe rail by offsetting a fastener member location of a first circuitinterconnect device assembly with a second fastener member location of asecond circuit interconnect device assembly.
 17. The circuitinterconnect attaching assembly of claim 13, comprising one or more lineside bus conductor bar strap coupled to the one or more bus connector.18. The circuit interconnect attaching assembly of claim 13, comprisingone or more load connector configured to connect to or disconnect fromone or more load conductor responsive to a rotational motion of the bodyand the circuit interconnect device.
 19. The circuit interconnectattaching assembly of claim 13, comprising: one or more line-side busconductor bar strap coupled to the one or more bus connector, and one ormore load conductor bar strap coupled to one or more load connector. 20.The circuit interconnect attaching assembly of claim 13, comprising ashutter apparatus configured and operational to be opened by arotational motion of the body.
 21. The circuit interconnect attachingassembly of claim 13, a circuit interconnect device having one or moreline terminal and one or more load terminal, the one or more loadterminal is in communication with one or more load strap, and one ormore bus conductor bar strap is connected to the one or more lineterminal.
 22. A method of connecting a circuit interconnect device,comprising: providing the circuit interconnect device including one ofone or more load terminal, one or more line terminal, or both; providinga body coupled to the circuit interconnect device, the body having oneor more frame connector coupled to a first end and at least one tabportion coupled to a second end; providing at least one fastener memberin communication the at least one tab portion; providing one or more busconnector configured to connect to one or more bus bar; providing auniversal circuit interconnect device frame rail assembly for securingthe body and the circuit interconnect device, the universal circuitinterconnect device frame rail assembly including a first frame railhaving at least one hole or slot, and a second frame rail having atleast one hole or slot; engaging the first frame rail with the one ormore frame connector at the first end of the body; rotating the body andthe circuit interconnect device in a rotational motion or pivotingmotion for the one or more bus connector to engage with and connect tothe one or more bus bar; and engaging the second frame rail with the atleast one fastener member for securing the body and circuit interconnectdevice to the second frame rail, the at least one fastener membercoupled to an axis generally perpendicular to a mating surface of thesecond frame rail.